Building for Believers: Why We Collect Things and How to Build a Community

Building for Believers: Why We Collect Things and How to Build a Community

Introduction:

Building a strong community is essential for any organization or group. In order to create a community that thrives, it is important to understand the concept of "Building for Believers." This approach focuses on gradually increasing the commitment of members and providing them with meaningful value. Additionally, it is crucial to understand the reasons why people collect things, as these motivations can be applied to building a successful community.

The Commitment Curve:

When building a community, it is important to lower the barrier to entry and gradually increase the level of commitment. Meetup and Airbnb successfully implemented this strategy by starting with smaller asks before moving on to bigger ones. For example, Meetup asked new members to read a blog post and attend an event before hosting a meetup, while Airbnb asked new members to watch a video and book a stay before posting a listing. By starting with smaller asks, people are more likely to say yes and gradually increase their commitment to the community.

Finding Community-Member-Fit:

To build a successful community, it is crucial to find the right fit between members and the community. This can be achieved by focusing on individuals who are already highly committed and trying to do what the community offers. Instead of targeting established community organizers, it is more effective to find small organizers who still need help and motivation. These individuals have the motivation, but may not have been successful yet. By offering them support and assistance, they can become the core members of the community.

Starting Small:

Contrary to popular belief, a community does not require a large number of members to be successful. In fact, it only takes a small group of true believers to start a community. Instead of aiming for quantity, focus on quality. Find those individuals who are passionate and committed to the cause. By starting with a small group of believers, you can create a strong foundation for the community to grow and thrive.

Why Do We Collect Things:

Understanding the motivations behind collecting things can provide valuable insights into building a successful community. Collecting offers a range of benefits, including personal pleasure, knowledge and learning, social interaction, altruism, and the desire for control and order. These motivations are not mutually exclusive and collectors often experience multiple benefits. By incorporating these motivations into the community-building process, you can create an environment that appeals to members on a personal level.

Conclusion:

Building a community requires careful planning and understanding of human motivations. By focusing on "Building for Believers," gradually increasing commitment, and finding the right fit between members and the community, you can create a strong foundation for success. Additionally, incorporating the motivations behind collecting things can provide unique insights into building a thriving community. Remember, it only takes a small group of true believers to start a community, so focus on quality rather than quantity.

Actionable Advice:

1. Start with smaller asks: Lower the barrier to entry and gradually increase the level of commitment. This encourages people to say yes and become more engaged with the community.

2. Find the right fit: Focus on individuals who are already highly committed and trying to do what the community offers. Offer support and assistance to those who have the motivation but haven't been successful yet.

3. Embrace the motivations behind collecting: Incorporate personal pleasure, knowledge and learning, social interaction, altruism, and the desire for control and order into the community-building process. Appeal to members on a personal level by understanding their motivations.

In conclusion, building a community requires a strategic approach and understanding of human motivations. By incorporating the principles of "Building for Believers" and understanding why people collect things, you can create a strong and thriving community. Remember, it only takes a small group of true believers to start a community, so focus on quality and provide meaningful value to your members.